Jackson anchors WU defense

Brandon Jackson was disappointed a rare opportunity had eluded his grasp. His first and possibly last chance for a pick-six was grounded as quickly as it began.

Jackson, Washburn's senior defensive tackle, jumped and tipped the ball to himself to intercept a pass by Central Missouri quarterback Eric Czerniewski midway through the first quarter last Saturday. Jackson's immediate thought was returning the pick -- the first of his college career -- to the end zone but he was tackled after a 3-yard return.

"I could have cut back across the field," Jackson said after reviewing the game tape. "I've never been in that situation so it's hard to say I should have run it back.

"It would have been a long run but when you see the green, it all goes out the window."

A touchdown would have required a 41-yard return, unlikely for a 6-foot-2, 305-pound lineman. Jackson, though, is known for agility that belies his size -- just ask anyone who has seen him dunk a basketball.

"I would say Brandon is one of the top five on the team in pure athleticism," said defensive end Ben Bianchino. "When he got here he was about 270 and he could do a standing back-flip in full pads. He's quite a bit north of 270 now but he can still dunk. He's a scary man."

Jackson didn't score off his pick and Washburn didn't convert that turnover into points. But the Ichabods would pull away to a 33-7 lead and posted a 36-21 win over the Mules. The win put the Ichabods (4-1, 2-1 MIAA) back in the AFCA Division II national rankings at No. 17 as they face Fort Hays State (4-1, 2-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Yager Stadium.

Jackson's size and speed allowed him to shift between tackle and end during his career. He was second team All-MIAA last year and third team Football Gazette all-region when he had 31 tackles, 5.5 for losses, starting nine games at end and two at tackle.

Now, with a healthy group of ends, he's locked in at left tackle.

"I love playing tackle in the trenches," Jackson said. "Last year at end it was more pass rush with a little banging here and there, but now it's getting dirty in the trenches."

Jackson could also pop up on offense in short-yardage situations as a fullback or tight end.

"He's an exceptional athlete and could play a number of positions," WU coach Craig Schurig said. "He has great hands and we've used him on goal line before but we just haven't thrown him the ball. In practice he catches them all and makes it look easy."

Jackson, from Kansas City, Mo., and Liberty High School, has only eight tackles this season and his one interception matches his sack total.

"I'm used to making a lot of tackles but I'm not selfish," said Jackson, who deflected three passes to go with his interception against Central Missouri. "Our linebackers are great and they make a lot of plays. If it wasn't for them, we couldn't make the plays we do make

"We're playing good defense and we're winning. That's all I care about."

The Ichabods rebounded from their first loss to beat Central Missouri, which was ranked No. 11.

The Bods learned from experience to not get too high from a big win. Last season after knocking off Missouri State, a Division I FCS team, they went to Hays and lost 17-7, the Tigers' only MIAA victory in a 2-9 season.

"We're taking this week as a regular game," Jackson said. "If you think you owe them one, you can get over-hyped and make a lot of mistakes. We take it as a serious game and one we have to win to go to the playoffs."

Ken Corbitt can be reached at (785) 295-1123 or ken.corbitt@cjonline.com.

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